Nicklas named NIU board liaison

Published: Saturday, June 22, 2013 5:30 a.m. CDT

By DAVID THOMAS - dthomas@shawmedia

DeKALB – Another year, another new role for Bill Nicklas at Northern Illinois University.

At Thursday’s board of trustees meeting, Nicklas was named the liaison to the university’s governing board. He will perform those duties in conjunction with the ones he has as vice president of public safety and community relations.

Nicklas said it was an honor and a privilege to serve incoming University President Douglas Baker. He compared his role as board liaison to his previous positions as the city manager for DeKalb and Sycamore.

“It opens an opportunity for me to be involved in discussions of policy, both short-term and long-term, as the board conducts their business,” Nicklas said.

Nicklas was appointed by Baker, who officially will take over for outgoing President John Peters on July 1. Despite his experience in policymaking, Nicklas said he will take Baker’s cues on how to perform his role.

“I will be looking to the president to guide me in how he wants to engage the board, and how he wants me to engage the board,” Nicklas said.

Nicklas is taking over the role from Kathy Buettner, who will keep her role as vice president of university relations.

“Taking care of the board is a full-time job,” Trustee Cherilyn Murer said at Thursday’s meeting. “And she did it with grace and such expertise.”